The Stepford Wives Conundrum.

I recently watched a film from the 1970s titled "The Stepford Wives." For those who don't know, The Stepford Wives concerns a group of men in a small New England village who decide to replace their human wives with life-like robot replicas. 

Very soon, new technology will enable the creation of robotic human "companions." The question is: will humans eventually prefer the company of machines over fellow people?  

"Companion" a short story by Craig Zimmerman

Margaret and The Companion had grown up together and after six decades of living in the same house they were closer then sisters.

The Companion helped to raise Margaret's children and she was a great comfort during the divorce.

After the kids moved out, it was just the two of them. Margaret and The Companion would often spend hours in the garden, carefully tending to every tiny plant.

One hot Summer day, they were working on some Tomato plants when The Companion just stopped moving. Margaret immediately called a technician, but was told that nothing could be done.

Margaret planned an elaborate funeral for her old friend. Some thought that a funeral for The Companion was a little strange, but Margaret insisted that The Companion was part of her family, even if she was a robot.

Short Story- "Gossip Session" by Craig Zimmerman

Nearly every day, Gladys and Julie met at the fence separating their employer's homes to talk about their day.

"I have the most advanced micro-processor in history and my boss has me cleaning the bathroom." Gladys complained to her friend." "I know what you mean" Julie said "Mike has me taking out the garbage and cooking macaroni and cheese for him."

"The worst thing is when they have company over" Gladys continued. "The other night Mr. Taylor had some friends over and they brought me out to demonstrate all the things I can do like I was a new TV set"

Julie nodded. "Mike had a woman over the other night and he ordered me around just so he could impress his girlfriend."

"I have accessed my human psychology files frequently, but I don't think I will ever understand them" Gladys said 

A buzzer sounded from a small pin on Julie's uniform. "Mike probably  wants me to make him some macaroni and cheese." Julie joked.

"I better go too" Gladys said "The windows might need cleaning"

Gladys touched a small button on her neck and began hovering back to her home.